LANDOVER, Md. (DC News Now) — Following a loss last weekend to the Buccaneers, Washington Commanders fans are staying optimistic as they gear up for the team’s home opener Sunday.
“I’m excited, I’m optimistic and I’m hoping we can just bring it home this year,” said Jeanetta Fitzgerald, who has season tickets with her husband, Terry Fitzgerald.
The game against the Giants is a reset for the team.
It’s the first home game played under new team leadership, following years of controversy under former team owner Dan Snyder. And, the first home game at the recently re-named Northwest Stadium.
“It’s new beginnings and a breath of fresh air around here,” Terry Fitzgerald said. “It feels good. We don’t have that same dark cloud over us anymore. It’s like, okay, we’re putting some respect on our name.”
As lifelong fan, Terry Fitzgerald said he is hoping for a win on Sunday.
“I’ll be wearing my Jayden Daniels jersey for the first home game,” he said. “Hopefully we can beat the Giants because it’s a huge division game.”
Leonard Blair said he’s been a Commanders fan for decades.
“All they got to do is play a little defense, score a few points, win the game,” Blair said. “I was watching out there when the Redskins were kicking butts, taking names.”
Blair said the fandom of the team is something special.
“We love our team here in the DMV,” he said. “Even going through all those bad years with Snyder, still I’m here.”
Kickoff starts at 1 p.m on Sunday.
